When former Vogue Turkey editor and serial entrepreneur Gamze Ates launched My Beach Side in 2015 she knew that she wanted to see a change in the luxury fashion industry and recognised that if she wanted to see it happen, then she would need to make it happen.
Too often the industry is wasteful of all resources, be they people or planet - both subjugated for the sake of profit. Ates wanted to change the narrative and so My Beachy Side was created as a proactive way to drive the financial empowerment of disadvantaged women in her home country of Turkey, whilst protecting the traditional artisanal skills that were in danger of being lost for ever.
With a vibrant and playful aesthetic that speaks of sun drenched beaches and glamourous resorts, My Beachy Side is nonetheless passionate about the three core pillars of sustainability: social, cultural and environmental. Developing a working practice that seeks to lead the way for the luxury sector.
The label provides steady jobs for 500+ disadvantaged women across Turkey including areas with a high refugee community, giving them a sustainable way to support themselves and enrich their communities. At the same time, by utilising the exquisite skills of these women the brand is committed to sustaining the age old crochet traditions of the region – breathing new life into the art form with its modern use of colours and patterns. As a handmade product every piece is made to order in the workers’ homes, using locally sourced and repurposed materials.
Of course as the brand grows in popularity so too do the opportunities for its work force– so when “Emily In Paris” creator Darren Starr reached out to Gamze about collaborating on the show, she jumped at the chance - and the “Emily in Paris” capsule collection was born to time with the release of Season 2 of the award winning Netflix show, with our heroine wearing the collection in episode 8. The capsule offers a whimsical take on an American in Paris theme – feminine and charming crochet pieces sit alongside nautical pants and dresses – it’s an exciting collaboration for the brand and one that they hope will allow them to grow their supported female network over 2022…
